There are many places that serve very good breakfast and brunch in Tallinn, and since I live here for part of the year (while not in Spain), I take my time exploring them. I’m on a mission to try them all, so as soon as I visit new spots myself and try the food, I share my thoughts and add them here.
I really love going out for breakfast in Tallinn. I don’t know, there’s just something about this city… cafes here have such high standards and the whole vibe somehow makes you want to eat out all the time.
I have already checked out a wide range of cafes across different parts of Tallinn — from smaller neighborhood spots to more modern places outside Tallinn Old Town. Some serve traditional Estonian or English breakfasts, others offer buffet-style brunches, and a few focus on creative, contemporary dishes with interesting flavor combos.
Quick Tallinn Essentials
Planning a spontaneous trip to Tallinn? Don’t forget to lock in your accommodation and activities early. Here are some of my favorite options:
🛏️Top Lodging Options in Tallinn:
- My City Hotel – great location in the Old Town, elegant interior – I slept so well here
- Nunne Boutique Hotel – stylish and modern, with some rooms facing the Old Town wall
- Bob W Telliskivi – loft-style flats in a trendy area – loved the self-check-in & design
- Tallinn City Apartment – spacious and super central, ideal for more privacy and your own kitchen
📸Key Tours & Activities in Tallin:
- Free Tour Around Upper Town – my top pick for history and views
- Behind the Iron Curtain of Tallinn – great tour to learn about the Soviet history of Tallinn
- All-Inclusive Food & Bike Tour – I loved the mix of local bites and scenic cycling
- Day Trip to Lahemaa National Park – where to see one of the best bogs in Estonia
🚘Thinking of Traveling Around Estonia by Car? For a summer trip, book early; in winter prices are low at any time. Compare prices between rental companies here!
So here’s a little roundup of my personal favorites — the ones I think are truly worth trying. You’ll see plenty of nice photos below, and honestly, don’t be surprised if you end up wanting to go to each place!
And, what to know — while a few cafes lean toward the pricier side, I also added some cafes where you can grab a good, cheap breakfast in Tallinn. Because yes, it’s totally possible to enjoy this city on a budget too.
So whether you are spending a quick weekend in Tallinn or making a base here for a few months during autumn, winter or another season, this breakfast guide is a good place to begin your foodie adventures!
Map with all the cafes for breakfast is in the end of this post.
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Best Breakfast & Brunch Places in Tallinn
1. Grenka
- Location: Pärnu mnt. 76
- Breakfast & Brunch Available: part of the breakfast menu is available from 9 AM to 12 PM, but their grenkas (with breakfast-style toppings) are served all day
- Must-Try Here: their signature grenkas, savory pies (they’re in the front display), desserts, and fresh juices
I finally visited this cafe after months of meaning to — and it didn’t disappoint. It instantly jumped to the top of my list of the best breakfasts in Tallinn. Although if you’re after a filling brunch at a reasonable price, this is the place too.
Signature dish here is “grenkas” — their own take on toasted house-made bread topped with all kinds of creative combinations. Think roast beef with horseradish and strawberries, beetroot with goat cheese and nuts, or even unique sweet versions. They also have a display of seasonal savory pies you can either take away or enjoy with tea for a lighter breakfast.
We also really liked the bacon omelet — fluffy and satisfying, and cheaper than in most other Tallinn cafes.
And the absolute highlight for me? Their Napoleon cake (a traditional Eastern European dessert made from over a dozen ultra-thin layers of buttery puff pastry, stacked with rich custard cream and left to soften into a perfectly tender texture), which you can see in the right photo above.
Here’s a Short I made to share the mood and flavors of the place.
If you’ve got room after brunch, it’s a must, because it just melts in the mouth and is so delicious! I came back recently also to try their pavlova dessert to-go, it was also good, but not everyone will like it since it is very creamy.
2. Coffee Kitchen
- Location: Vana-Posti tn 2
- Breakfast & Brunch Available: All day long until 20:00
- Must-Try Here: English breakfast, omelettes, shrimp bruschetta, chicken panini, chia cup, eclairs, Vana Tallinn coffee
Finally, a great breakfast cafe has opened in the Old Town, which is actually affordable! Out of all the stylish places on my list, this one is probably the cheapest. Prices for breakfast dishes here range from €5.5 to €9, while in many other places they start at over €10.
It’s exactly the kind of spot this area was missing: delicious food (I’ve already tried both their breakfasts, sаlаds, and pasta dishes, everything has always been great), reasonable prices, super cozy inside, warm in the cold season, and in summer they have a lovely outdoor terrace where it’s nice to sit for a while.
During the Christmas time in Tallinn, owners decorate the interior, so it feels quite festive. It’s one of those places where you lose track of time because atmosphere is just so nice.
Coffee Kichen cafe is still quite new (less than a year old), and I think they are still improving their menu (when I visited a couple of months ago, some dishes weren’t there yet. I’m actually updating this post right from this cafe today and just ordered a roast beef toast that I hadn’t seen before). But even as it is, their menu already works perfectly for a good breakfast or brunch in Tallinn.
I’ve tried their panini, two kinds of toasts, omelets, and English breakfast… all really good. The sausage in the English breakfast deserves a mention… it’s super tasty, and to me it seemed homemade.
For those who like big breakfasts, portions might feel a bit small, though my husband (who usually eats a lot in the morning) said it was just right.
So if you are staying in the Old Town and looking for a nice place to have breakfast or a late brunch, you’ll like it here. Even if you are not staying in this area or nearby, it’s a great stop before a city tour, a walk around the Town Hall Square, or if you are visiting Tallinn Christmas markets in December.
3. Kohvik Vaffel
- Location: Vana-Kalamaja tn 18
- Breakfast & Brunch Available: All day long
- Must-Try Here: crispy chicken waffle, cured salmon waffle, duck a L’Orange vaffel, coconut cacao, mocha, matcha latte
I love this cafe for two reasons – first, it’s perfect for introverts or anyone who wants minimal interaction, and second, it’s for those who love waffles. Kohvik Vаffle has the best waffles in Tallinn (and they are gluten-free) with a variety of toppings.
There’s no paper menu here and you don’t order from a person. You just sit down, scan the menu, place your order through the system, and your food is brought to you. And then pay at the exit – super convenient if you don’t want to communicate with anyone.
Waffles here are both sweet and savory options. You’ll find classic combinations like berries with cream but also more filling choices with ham, cheese, or smoked salmon. In addition to waffles, they serve smoothies and coffee drinks.
Portions are moderate, and one large waffle will be enough to share for 2 people. Waffles, by the way, have a crispy texture with a soft center.
This cafe itself is small and during busy hours (when gets crowded) it feels a bit like a lunchroom in someone’s office, especially on weekends. Coffee is mild, which may not appeal to those who prefer a stronger taste. But waffles are exceptionally good!
4. Gallery Cafe in Rotermanni
- Location: Rotermanni tn 6
- Breakfast & Brunch Available: All day long
- Must-Try Here: cornmeal porridge with shrimp & dry tomatoes (yes, for breakfast!), croque monsieur, burrata toast, egg croissant, mocktails, selection of hot teas, San Sebastian cake
This is my new favorite breakfast and late brunch place in Tallinn, which isn’t just a place to eat – it is an experience. Gallery Cafe & Brunch works as a cafe (that serves breakfast all day long) and art gallery with rotating art exhibitions.
You can enjoy breakfast or brunch here while admiring contemporary Estonian and international artwork, some of which are even possible to purchase. And the location is so close to Old Town that you can stop for breakfast even if you are visiting Tallinn for one day only.
When we first came here, looking for something unique, I noticed right away that prices were above average for the city. But they turned out to be delicious in quite a generous size. Later, we returned for dinner and it was amazing as well.
Every dish here is a work of art, with a beautifully crafted presentation. Even the simplest dishes (like a croissant with egg or corn porridge with shrimp, for example) are made so creatively and taste so unique that it’s hard to understand how such basic ingredients result in such an interesting flavor.
So if you’re looking for a laid-back yet sophisticated space for a nice brunch in Tallinn, this is definitely the place to go to!
Ideal for solo visits, catching up with friends, or even a casual work session (I saw people working here with laptops, and even later I returned myself as well to work with delicious cake on the side).
5. Levier Cafe
- Location: Rotermanni tn 18-1
- Breakfast & Brunch Available: Mon-Fri 8:00-12:00, Weekend All Day
- Must-Try Here: Estonian breakfast, raw buckwheat porridge, scrambled eggs with truffle, smoothie
Just a few steps away from Gallery & Brunch Cafe, you’ll find Levier Rotermann, another breakfast spot that offers brunch all day.
Until recently, I didn’t really like this cafe, at least not until I tried a few of their breakfast options. Now it’s actually one of my favorite spots in the city, even though their service concept is a bit odd (not only is it self-service, but it’s also rather clumsy, while presentation and prices are more like in a proper restaurant).
Still, the food is really good. My husband and I have already tried about half of their menu, but my favorites are traditional Estonian breakfast (the one you see in the photo above on the left), avocado toast, quiches, and their buns (cinnamon, cardamom, and chocolate – all are good, although not as good as other places that offer delicious cinnamon buns in Tallinn).
They also have a set menu with other breakfast options available to order together with brunch options like halloumi fries, roasted potatoes, caprese ravioli, and more. I also recently returned to try a smoothie which was good as well.
The selection of pastries changes often (sweet and savory), so there is always something new to try.
6. Dot Cafe
- Location: Pärnu mnt. 29
- Breakfast & Brunch Available: All Day
- Must-Try Here: one of their delicious pancakes, French toast, Dot cafe toast, coffee drinks are excellent
This is another brunch spot in Tallinn, offering all-day breakfast with a focus on simple yet well-prepared dishes. Their menu includes avocado and egg-based dishes, but my absolute favorite here is their pancakes dish with poached egg, salmon, and caviar-ricotta paste.
One of the other highlights is the French toast, made with brioche, tomatoes, ricotta cream, and mozzarella. Sounds like a weird combination, but is also a delicious and unique pick.
The cafe’s atmosphere is relaxed and quite big, so there is enough space for many people. Yet, on weekends it gets full pretty fast. Ordering is done at the counter and service is efficient. While the coffee is decent, the real draw here is food, especially for those who want well-balanced flavors without overly complex ingredients.
7. Kentmanni Sõõrikukohvik
- Location: Kentmanni tn 21
- Breakfast & Brunch Available: some breakfast dishes are available until 12:30, others all day long
- ;Must-Try Here:
This is hands down the cheapest breakfast place in Tallinn, and by the way, you can also eat here cheaply at any other time of day (lunch, dinner, or just a quick bite). But you have to understand that “cheap” here really depends on what you expect from food quality and atmosphere (the latter being secondary, of course).
When it comes to the food, a lot of it is pre-cooked early in the morning and simply reheated in the microwave later (like savory and sweet crepes and even omelets). Also, when I tried breakfast here, it felt like it had a slight taste of old oil, crepes were a bit burnt in places (but I have a sharp palate and am very picky when it comes to the quality of food and cooking methods).
It’s basically a traditional Tallinn-style canteen that’s been around for over 50 years. Recipes are the same, the cooking methods are still quite old-fashioned too, but it’s simple and still decent in that homemade, no-frills kind of way. Nothing fancy and no pretty plating, but quick, comforting food.
They actually have more than one location in Tallinn. Their second one is in the Nõmme district (a hidden gem neighborhood, by the way). I personally like the Nõmme one more, but the Kentmanni branch is also decent. So if you are looking for an affordable breakfast in Tallinn (not in the center but still close to the Old Town), I think you’ll enjoy it here.
NOTE: Their menu inside the cafeteria is in Estonian. Here is an online version to translate in advance if you feel like getting acquainted with it before going.
8. La Boulangerie
- Location: Poordi 3
- Breakfast & Brunch Available: All Day Long
- Must-Try Here: buckwheat savory crepes, croque madame, croissants, quiches, pastries with coffee drinks
La Boulangerie brings a classic French bakery experience to Tallinn, offering a selection of freshly baked pastries, artisanal bread, and breakfast dishes. Their menu doesn’t include much, but it is possible to order whatever is on offer all day long.
Their pastries are also incredible and can be a good breakfast/brunch option for someone who prefers a light breakfast.
What I personally don’t like here is how cramped/always crowded this place always gets. There are always so many people here that it’s often not enjoyable to sit and eat unless you get a window table away from the entrance. The crowd is a sign that people love this place and that food is good, but if you’re looking for a quiet and peaceful meal, this isn’t the place for it.
Service is counter-based, and orders are placed at the register. While prices are slightly higher than average, the quality justifies the cost. It’s a great choice for those who want to find authentic French flavors while not leaving Tallinn city center.
9. Loulou
- Location: Laeva tn 1
- Breakfast & Brunch Available: Breakfast – Mon-Fri 7:30-13:00, St-Sun 8:00-13:00, although a few breakfast dishes are available throughout the day. Brunch – 12:00-16:00
- Must-Try Here: avocado cake, potato pancakes, zucchini waffle, lavender raf
This cafe serves breakfast in Tallinn with unusual ingredient combinations. Their menu includes a variety of dishes that are quite popular in many places but with their own twist – egg benedict on English muffin, shrimp brioche toast with poached egg and chives, or, for example, salty porridge.
I’ve been here a couple of times – once with visiting family and another time with friends. I saw what they ordered, tried a little from their plates, and listened to their thoughts on the food. Аll the dishes we chose were good, but if I had to highlight just one, it would be the deruny (potato pancakes that you can also see in my photo).
Seven breakfast dishes stay on the menu all day, making it a good option for a late brunch.
What else is cute in this cafe is their modern two-story space with swing seating, large windows, and a bright interior. During the warmer months, there’s a spacious summer terrace.
Oh, and you have to try their lavender raf (also in my photo), which has a creamy, spiced flavor (although it is quite sweet).
Foodies’ Experiences to Try in Tallinn
If you enjoy any kind of food-related experiences, I think you’ll definitely love these tours:
Map of All My Favorite Breakfast Places in Tallinn
Do you love traveling in Estonia and Tallinn, in particular, as much as I do? Then don’t miss my post about the most authentic and unique things to do in Estonia, winter escapes in Estonia from Tallinn, and very cool museums to visit, which offer a fresh perspective on this country!
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Similar Posts in Other Parts of Europe
If you like traveling around Europe, here are my other posts for foodies:
- Best Traditional Breakfast in Istanbul – my favorite places, personally tried and tested
- Breakfast in Kyiv – my favorite spots to this day
- Lviv Breakfast Guide – with my tips on what to try
- Traditional Food in Montenegro – dishes must-try in the mountainous regions of the country
